Research suggests that children should go to funerals if they want to. It gives children a chance to see grief and learn about it. If your son will attend a service, talk with him ahead of time about what he can expect. For example, if there will be an open casket, let him know he will be seeing his grandmother’s body. He may have many questions, and you may not have all the answers. It’s okay to say you have to think about it for a bit, and talk to him after you’ve had a chance to collect your thoughts.

Many parents find it helpful to look for children’s books about dying. You can talk about the characters in the book and relate their circumstances to what’s happening in your lives. This is an excellent way to discuss death and dying with young children.